Portland Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Portland Dam, located in Portland, North Dakota, is a vital water resource structure managed by the local government.


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Summary

Built in 1934, this buttress dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, holding a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. Situated on the South Branch Goose River, the dam stands at a height of 13.8 feet and spans 80 feet in length, with a surface area of 24.8 acres and a drainage area of 360 square miles.

The dam, regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, has a low hazard potential and is classified as not rated in terms of condition assessment. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), the structure underwent a structural modification in 1956. Despite lacking a spillway, the dam is equipped with outlet gates. The last inspection conducted on the site was in May 2016, with a scheduled inspection frequency that ensures its operational integrity for water supply in the region.

Portland Dam's presence on the South Branch Goose River ensures a reliable water source for the local community, with the potential for risk management measures to be implemented to enhance its safety and efficiency as a crucial infrastructure for water supply in Traill County, North Dakota.

Years Modified

1956 - Structural

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

13.8

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH GOOSE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

24.8

Drainage Area

360

Nid Storage

165

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.